'He will play domestic cricket' - Shubman Gill on injured Hardik Pandya's road back to Team India

India are engaged in their most significant home assignment in recent times, playing New Zealand in a five-match ODI series beginning November 4 and concluding November 15. Following the ODI leg, India will shift focus to a two-Test series commencing November 19.

During a press conference on Tuesday, November 3, Indian captain Shubman Gill addressed the status and pathway of Hardik Pandya, whose absence from competitive cricket has extended since the Indian Premier League as he manages multiple physical setbacks at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.

Pandya remains one of India's most valued all-rounders, capable of operating across different phases of play with both bat and ball. His skill set, which allows him to bowl with the new ball and in the death overs, makes him a critical asset as India build towards the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, a succession of injuries has kept him sidelined, and Gill hinted that his return to the national team depends on demonstrating match fitness through domestic competition.

"Firstly, Hardik Pandya is a great all-rounder. Not many players in the world have his skill set. As a bowler, you can use him in the different facets of the game. He can bowl with the new ball and the old ball. We have had multiple conversations," Gill said at the pre-match press conference ahead of the first ODI.

"He is unfortunate with his injuries. He hasn't played since the IPL. Hopefully, he will come back soon. He will play some domestic cricket. And hopefully we will get him back in the Indian team soon," he added.

What is Pandya's path back to the India squad?

Pandya's injury troubles began during IPL 2026, when he missed three matches for Mumbai Indians due to back spasms. His last competitive appearance came on May 24. In June, a quadriceps strain sustained during rehabilitation ruled him out of the ODI series against Afghanistan. He subsequently missed the England ODI series as he continued his recovery process.

Additional complications emerged when Pandya developed knee pain during fielding drills ahead of the Afghanistan T20I series. He was named in the India A squad for a one-day series against Australia A in September, subject to fitness clearance, with expectations of returning to competitive cricket in October. However, scans revealed an injury to his right shin, and medical advice mandated two weeks of complete rest, which prevented his participation in the Australia A series.

Pandya missed India's T20I series against New Zealand. His return to the national team depends on demonstrating match fitness through domestic cricket. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, scheduled for November and December, represent the immediate opportunities for Pandya to prove his readiness. The Baroda all-rounder occupies the No. 7 or No. 8 position in India's ODI batting order, where he is expected to provide aggressive finishing in the closing stages of innings. His all-round capabilities, combining batting and bowling across multiple phases of play, make him a valued asset as India prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup.